Preventive effects of neuromuscular training on the Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy A randomized clinical trial.

This publication presents the results of our latest and largest clinical study targeting chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (CIPN). Based on our previous research we aimed to determine whether sensorimotor training (SMT) and whole-body vibration therapy (WBV) are able to reduce the development of CIPN. With the help of four cancer centers in Germany (University Hospital of Cologne, St. Antonius Hospital Eschweiler, PIOH Cologne, Outpatient Clinic Sachsenring Cologne) 158 patients were recruited who received either vinca-alkaloids or oxaliplatin (common chemotherapy substances), mostly due to colon cancer, ovarian cancer or lymphoma. Patients were divided into 3 groups and either received additional sensorimotor training (SMT: static, dynamic, and functional balance exercises), whole-body-vibration therapy (WBV) or treatment as usual (patient’s usual exercise or no additional exercise at all).  The main feature of the study was that patients received the additional exercise therapy right from the start of chemotherapy at least twice a week for 10-30 minutes, according to a specific therapy algorithm, and guided by sport therapists.

Results are exciting and verify our hypothesis: depending on the neurotoxic agent the development of CIPN was reduced by 50 % – 70% in both intervention groups (SMT and WBV) compared to the usual treatment group.

Also, symptoms of neuropathy were less prevalent and less severe, balance control was improved, physical activity levels and quality of life were higher.  This data will help to introduce exercise therapy as a fixed component of oncological therapy to prevent CIPN, and once more underlines the essential role of exercise therapy for patients with oncologic diseases.